Making the Argument: Why LeBron James is Better than Kobe Bryant

One of the most heated, frustrating, finicky, and recent arguments in the NBA has been the talent comparisons of LeBron James and Kobe Bryant.

We've seen the trash talk, the studying, and the frustration of basketball experts arguing back and forth.

We've seen the excitement caused by games played by the Cavaliers and the Lakers, the All-Star games focused mainly on LeBron and Kobe (of course, you can never catch an All-Star game without seeing Dwight "Superman" Howard).

So let's make the argument. Who's better?

The Teams

The Cleveland Cavaliers' best player since 2003 has been LeBron James. The second most productive player has been Zydrunas Ilgauskas. Third, Mo Williams.

Fourth... hold on, let me look at their roster. I don't think they have anyone else.

The point is, LeBron James led the Cavs to the Finals in 2006-07, blowing by a tough Pistons team, and emphasizing the definition of single-handedly.

On the other hand, Kobe Bryant's team has himself, Pau Gasol, Lamar Odom, Andrew Bynum, Trevor Ariza, and Phil Jackson.

His most productive teammate was one of the greatest centers of all time Shaquille O'Neal, and a solid point guard, Derek Fisher.

I think by that, we can tell which team has had better fortune, and which player can make his team look better.

Better argument: LeBron James

Offense

LeBron has been compared to Michael Jordan. So has Kobe. So which to choose for this category?

Well, for one thing, LeBron did better in the major statistic, scoring, in which he scored 30 points per game. In assists, LeBron gets this one too, getting 7.2 assists per game. He also won rebounding, getting 7.9 per game.

Kobe is a better shooter, but with time that will come to LeBron too, if it already hasn't. Plus LeBron's a better driver, finisher, and a better overall scorer.

He has a better record of being an actual teammate, where Kobe only has one year under his belt in that point of view.

Better argument: LeBron James. Wow, LeBron is starting to look like Obama and Kobe is starting to look like McCain!

Defense

Well, they were both on the All-Defensive team last year, so this one is going to be tough. NOT! LeBron is bigger, stronger, and better.

He has to cover Vince Carter, Paul Pierce, Richard Jefferson, Michael Redd, Rashard Lewis, Tayshaun Prince, Carmelo Anthony, and he even covers power forwards and shooting guards like Dwayne Wade and Kevin Garnett.

Kobe, on the other hand, could never cover a small forward, unless they are a 6-5, 180-pound one, and he can only cover some point guards.

Better argument: LeBron. Jeez, at least McCain got some votes!

Decision

Well considering LeBron got 3-of-3 in the major category votes, he had a 100 percent better argument in every category, and he's only 23 years old, the best player in the NBA goes to...